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Domitian at Ephesus

Temple of Domitian at Ephesus, first century C.E. Photograph by Todd Bolen.

The temple and altar of the imperial cult at Ephesus were dedicated to the last Flavian emperor, Domitian (81–96 C.E.). The temple had a pseudodipteral plan, an open colonnade surrounded a smaller interior chamber. The 8 × 13 column colonnade was constructed on a six-stepped substructure. The remains of stairs suggest that at least the northern side of the temple was two stories high. Inside the chamber stood a U-shaped altar, which is now housed in the Izmir Museum in Turkey. After Domitian’s death, when memorializing him became illegal, the temple was rededicated to the Flavian family.

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